Amazon deal: Ancel OBD II scanner for $17.59

One of Amazon's daily deals today is the Ancel AD210 OBD II Car Code Reader Automotive Vehicle OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Scan Tool for just $17.59.  This diagnostic scanner gets 4.3 out of 5 stars from its users, and in addition to the standard code reader features (backlit LCD display, ability to read and reset codes) the AD210 comes with:

- Code description database built in
- Support for all OBD II protocols
- Two year warranty

This scanner retails for $38.99.  Amazon's deal is only good for today, and so far 8% of the available inventory has been sold.

Brake Fluid Tester on sale at Amazon

Amazon is currently selling the PTE DOT 4 Brake Fluid Tester for just $14.89.  It was previously listed for over $20.00.  This tester has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by Amazon customers.  For under $15.00, that's a pretty good deal.

Also on Amazon right now, you can get a Purolator PL14610 PurolatorOne oil filter for only $4.89.  Amazon used to sell this filter for over $6.00.

Inexpensive auto door panel removal tools

If you're going to be doing your own auto repair work,. there will inevitably come a time where you'll need to remove a door panel, dashboard, or other plastic piece that you don't want to pry up with a screwdriver or knife.  For these jobs, door panel removal tools are great.

Here are some door panel removal tools you can get for low prices right now on Amazon:

- $4.30:   Leegoal New Car Door Clip Panel Pry Tool
- $4.59:   Tekton 5873 Door Panel Remover
- $6.99:   HDE No-Scratch 4-in-1 Pry Tool Kit

 I've never used any of these three (I have the ABN removal kit -- $11.99 and it works great) but they all get pretty good reviews.

Things to Keep in Your Car

Some people are packrats when it comes to their cars; others leave their vehicles barren and clean.  One thing to consider when deciding what's important to have in a car and what's not is that the things you keep in your car may one day save your life (or at least save you a headache).

You may have a CD holder, a headrest DVD player, a gym bag, and an air freshener, but consider adding some or all of the things in the list below to your vehicle's inventory.  You may never need them, but it will be nice to have them if you do.

- Jumper cables

Everyone should carry jumper cables in their car.  If you don't have jumper cables and you suddenly find yourself with a battery that needs a jump, now you not only need a helpful motorist to come along, you need a helpful motorist that also has jumper cables.  You can find inexpensive jumper cables at many discount stores, and some stores even sell auto emergency tool kits for $10 or $20 that include jumper cables as well as things like pliers or screwdrivers, spare fuses, duct or electrical tape, and more.

- Blankets

If you ever get stranded in the cold, or your heat stops working, or you come across someone else stranded in the cold, a good heavy blanket can make all the difference in the world.  Blankets fold up so they don't take up a lot of space when not needed, and they can be a life saver.  They're also good for putting over your floors or seats when transporting a pet (or a child with dirty shoes).  If you don't have a blanket, a large towel can be a decent substitute.

- First aid kit

A small or travel-sized first aid kit can fit in your glove box or trunk, where you'll probably forget about it until you need it.  It's always good to have bandages, gauze, and other first aid necessities around, especially if you're taking a long trip.

- Rubber mallet

This one may seem silly, but for those times when you need to change a tire and you just can't get the old tire off for anything, a rubber mallet can be your best friend.  You can find a decent rubber mallet for around $3, and it won't take up a lot of space in your trunk.

(Originally published on Bubblews.com, February 2014)